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September 18, 2008

Three Sue Kentucky McDonald's, Allege Antigay Harassment

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a complaint with the Louisville, Ky., Human Relations Commission, claiming “discriminatory treatment” based on sexual orientation in an East Market Street McDonald's, the ACLU announced Tuesday. Ryan Marlatt, Teddy Eggers, and three others entered the McDonald's for lunch and claimed they were verbally harassed from an employee and supervisor.

"Nobody should be treated the way my friends and I were at that McDonald's," Eggers, of Indianapolis, said in the statement. "When we finally got to speak with a supervisor, she said she didn't see what the big deal was. I couldn't believe what was happening."

While waiting for their meal, Marlatt and Eggers overheard the female employee refer to them as “faggots.” An argument ensued between the employee and customers, where more antigay slurs were used. Marlatt and Eggers then consulted the supervisor on duty, asking for an apology and full refund. They were denied.

"It may just be a few dollars for a Big Mac and some fries,” Marlatt said, “but if I'm going to spend my hard-earned money anywhere, I should be able to do so without being verbally abused.”

Marlatt and Eggers say they want an apology, a refund of the $28 they spent on the McDonald's meal, appropriate disciplinary action for the employees involved, and commendation for an employee at the counter who attempted to solve the dispute.

Since the July 26 incident, Marlatt filed reports with the McDonald’s corporation as well as phoned the East Market Street McDonald’s. Each complaint was ignored, and many times he was hung up on, the ACLU says.

"Although their complaints have gone unanswered by McDonald's, Louisville has a law that protects people from this kind of treatment from any business," said Christine Sun, an ACLU senior staff attorney, who is representing Marlatt and Eggers. "Even though they won't return Mr. Marlatt's phone calls, we hope the Human Relations Commission will convince them to finally respond to this."

Louisville has a human rights ordinance that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in public arenas. (Kandice Day, The Advocate) 

Reader Comments

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  • Name: Annette
    Date posted: 2008-10-08 5:11 PM
    Hometown: Lexington, KY

    Comment:

    I think there should be a national protest across the country on the same say against all McDonalds.


  • Name: Scott
    Date posted: 2008-09-30 11:02 PM
    Hometown: Louisvlle

    Comment:

    A protest is being organized by several LGBT Advocate groups in the Louisville Metro Area. It will take place on October 11th at noon. As of this writing, no formal agreement or settlement has been reached between the parties. All for $28 and a minimum wage, at-will employee.


  • Name: Dan
    Date posted: 2008-09-18 9:28 PM
    Hometown: Baltimore

    Comment:

    Where are our so called liberal "friends?" Can you imagine if this employee had called a Black patron a nigger? It would be national press and Jesse Jackson would be arm twisting McDonald's for corporate contributions and policy changed. So many times these things happen to our community and we are left defending ourselves along.


  • Name: Doug Johnson
    Date posted: 2008-09-18 3:52 PM
    Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

    Comment:

    IHOP, in at least one of their restaurans, behaved in the same bigoted way, and got away with it. Why, why, why do we cintinue to eat at these fat/sugar dispensers? I am aware that other places can be just as hateful, but we should be aware by now that McDonald's, IHOP and eateries of their ilk don't find the most intelligent or welcoming or caring people to employ. There are many restaurants that don't charge an arm and a leg who have wonderful employees. They are not that rare.


  • Name: MM
    Date posted: 2008-09-18 3:26 PM
    Hometown: Raleigh

    Comment:

    Is there not pressure from the corporate side of McDonald's to resolve this issue? Are there contacts in the corporate office that we could contact regarding this incident and request an apology from a higher level?


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